Quotes from the world of show business, elsewhere, on Michael Jackson’s death

Quotes about the death of Michael Jackson

“I met Michael Jackson at the age of 8 — when his father and my new friend, Joe Jackson, first began to bring the Jackson 5 to Chicago from their home in Gary, Ind., for concert appearances. … Michael Jackson’s personal crescendo of amazing power as an entertainer was clear and unmistakable and has never slowed to this very day! His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer, composer, producer, dancer and choreographer in the history of the world. Indeed, in my very firmest personal belief, there will never, ever be another Michael Jackson.” — Don Cornelius, creator of the television show “Soul Train.”

“We have all been blessed to have witnessed a true light, a wonderful talent … no words can describe his talent, generosity, advocacy and love for the world … He gave us a piece of his soul and dedicated his life to entertain us .” — Rapper-musician will.i.am.

“Having been working out with and training with Michael Jackson over the last 15 years, most recently in the last few months, he was a dear friend and inspiration. Michael is an icon and the world has suffered a great loss and to his family I send my deepest condolences and prayers.” — Bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno.

“My heart … my mind … are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can’t believe it. I don’t want to believe it. It can’t be so.” — Actress Elizabeth Taylor.

“My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world.” — Singer Mariah Carey.

“He was one of, if not the greatest entertainer of all time, and was without question the King of Pop. He was also my friend. He recorded a song of mine on his 1979 ‘Off the Wall’ album and in 1981 we sang a duet together. We spent a considerable amount of time together in 2001 at my home music studio and I saw him in a totally different light — as a nurturing and caring father.” — Lyricist Carole Bayer Sager.

“We have lost one of the greatest icons of all time. He forever set the bar for entertainers all around the world.” — Hip-hop singer Fergie.

“The world has certainly lost a great individual and we only hope that America and the rest of the world will continue to focus on the positive and not speak poorly of a man who was under constant scrutiny his entire life. We are happy to have had the opportunity to know Michael since he was a little boy and most recently we had the pleasure of working on one of his projects in Los Angeles. … God bless you, Michael, and we will miss you!” — The O’Jays, Walter Williams Sr., Eddie Levert Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant.

“I am truly saddened that my mentor, brother and friend will no longer be with us physically. At the same time I feel so blessed to have been touched by his music, his dance, his lyrics and his pure genius. It is because of Michael’s yesterday that I am who I am today! My condolences to his family and friends around the world. Michael Jackson rest in peace and may your music and legacy forever reign on Earth!” — Singer R. Kelly.

“I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.” — Singer Diana Ross.

“Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying. Long live Michael Jackson.” — R&B singer Ne-Yo.

“This was the most exciting collaboration of my life with a man who has inspired me like no other. … This was the world’s greatest performer and the world will miss him.” — Kenny Ortega, who was directing Jackson’s upcoming concerts in London and who said he was his friend for 25 years.

“He was truly a king, as a dancer, as a singer and we may never, ever see a person of talent like that again.” — The Laugh Factory comedy club owner Jamie Masada, who arranged Jackson’s introduction to the cancer-stricken 13-year-old boy who later accused the singer of molesting him.

“Michael Jackson’s accomplished so much that there’s not even words to explain what he’s done for urban and pop music. Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him. The world has lost one of the greatest entertainers who shaped many generations and will continue to for years to come.” — Motown/pop singer Akon.

“When we worked together on ‘Bad,’ I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.” — Film director Martin Scorsese.

“The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. … I love you Michael.” — R&B singer Beyonce Knowles.

“From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. … I had his poster on my wall.” — Singer Celine Dion.

“Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. … I think we’ll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to ‘Thriller’ on the record player.” — Musician John Mayer, via his Twitter feed.

“We are out of our joy. He is out of his pain. … He was constantly challenged in the press and all he really wanted to be was the greatest entertainer and he was that.” — Politician and civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who counseled Michael Jackson at his Neverland ranch while the pop star was defending himself against molestation charges.

“He broke barriers, he changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled.” — Hip-hop artist Usher.